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Amanaki Mafi has left Bath Rugby after an altercation with the club’s head of sports medicine
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The Japan number eight was not selected for either Sale Sharks at home or Northampton Saints yesterday, and had seemingly been rested
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The 26-year-old made his debut against Worcester Warriors on February 13 and scored four tries in his first four matches
Bath have confirmed that Amanaki Mafi is returning to Japan prior to the end of the season by mutual agreement with the club.
Mafi said: “I would like to thank Bath for the opportunity to play in the Premiership, and for all the support they have given my family and I throughout our time in England.”
The club in a statement wished Mafi al the best for the future.
However the Bath Chronicle report that Mafi’s departure was hastened after a dispute with the club’s head of sports medicine Declan Lynch.
Mafi is understood to have removed a player’s name from the appointment board in order to be treated sooner by a physio, resulting an in argument.
A breakthrough star at the Rugby World Cup, Mafi has impressed during his stint in the Premiership since his debut back in February.
The club had been in negotiations to do a deal for his return next season, but that now appears highly unlikely.